About

My mission: help others experience Health & Wellness with the tools of

Yoga & Meditation through Inspiration, Wisdom, Authenticity & Humor

Background:

Paige Lichens, Kripalu Yoga Teacher (E-RYT 500/KYT 500) certified and registered, has been teaching ferociously since 2009. Over 3500 hours of classes taught over the next last +9 years. Completed 200 hour training (2008) in Alexandria, VA. Also completed yoga teacher training through the “YoKids” program (2009) and then Prenatal Teacher Training with International Teacher, Janice Clarfield (2010). Completed 3 of 5 Svastha (Teacher Training for Injuries/ Mohan’s 2011/2012) and completed 500 hour Kripalu Yoga Teacher Training (2015) that had advanced studies within special populations, science of Ayurveda and more in-depth focuses for mediation, assists, and pranayama. Certified in “Divine Sleep Yoga Nidra” (R) (2016). Also most recently Yin Yoga with Myofascial Release (2017) with Jo Phee, and then Level 1 certification in Reiki (2017).

Paige teaches yoga in a way that promotes confidence and peace; both on and off the mat. Always an advocate for body positivity and health, her classes are designed to strengthen & help improve the function of the body, mind and spirit with options for modifications or alternatives as well as a reminder to listen to the wisdom of your inner true self. Often offering personalized solutions due to life changes or injury. She teaches many styles and levels of Kripalu Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Moderate Flow, Prenatal/Postnatal Yoga, Yin, Restorative, Gentle, Foundations/Beginners, Meditation and Yoga Nidra. Often she helps those dealing with their trauma (physically, mentally, emotionally); stroke, cancer, MS, TBI, scoliosis, hip replacement(s), fractures, sprains, PTSD, grief, loss, abuse. Regardless of the style or audience of the class, Paige teaches with compassion, encouragement and a hint of humor.

Additionally she has been hired to teach yoga at special parties, baby showers, office retreat events (corporate), private sessions, and Couples Birthing lessons.

Paige is not a doctor or to be replaced with seeing those in the professional field of health and medicine. Instead as you work with your own medical professional/therapist if they refer you to seek out yoga or meditation then you know you can come to a class taught by her that is offered in a safe space by someone that understands modifications and alternate solutions you may find helpful.

For her, Yoga is more than a workout; “It is a work-in”. Yoga is so many things to different people for sure; such a small word that has so many meanings. No one style or practice is better than the other though. Many different roads but one single truth. The best kind of yoga is the one you can do each day. #WhyIpracticeyoga #MyactualYoga

Her story:

Paige was first introduced to yoga asana in the mid 1990’s. First saw a yoga video and then worked next-door to an Iyengar yoga classroom. She also took a college class around 1996 that discussed the health benefits of many eastern practices including yoga. Later, around 1998, she attended an Iyengar yoga class, however didn’t enjoy the experience at that time. Meditation and movement was a practice early on in her life during the 80’s; as she was taught meditation tools as a way to as a way to connect with her thoughts and emotions as she was a teen living with in an abusive alcoholic home.

Later in life, after a skydiving accident, that broke her back in the early 2000’s, she was injured and knew exactly where to return; Yoga to strengthen her back. She has been practicing ever since and for her yoga went beyond just the physical practice. “When the student is ready the teacher appears.”

In 2013, without any warning, she suffered from a vertebral artery dissection and stroke that changed the direction of her life. There are many kinds of strokes but hers was from a dissection in the neck that happened spontaneously and is quite rare. It happens to young people and there is no warning and science knows very little about why it happens beyond the fact that the artery walls were weak and tore; possibly from neck manipulation. Ever so grateful to her practice she was able to feel the change that occurred and experience the stages of what happens when dealing with trauma.

Always looking to spread the gift of yoga to others, she incorporates a fusion of yoga styles that includes many familiar Western names of Hatha Yoga; such as Kripalu, Ashtanga, Jivamukti, Dharma, Vinyasa, Yin, Sivananda, Iyengar, “Divine Sleep Yoga Nidra”, Svastha as well as some Kundalini poses. She likes to explore and have fun with yoga. Always a bit of a rebel – “lets get rid of the rule book and explore for ourselves.” More about function than alignment.

Paige believes that Yoga isn’t a “What” – it is How. How we go about doing things. From sitting, moving, walking, laying or any functions we can do as human beings. Improving our awareness by witnessing our mind, body and emotions in action.

Native Washingtonian and she grew up just outside of DC in Silver Spring, Maryland. After over 15 years as an accountant and CPA, she later become an accounting recruiter (for 10 years). In 2015 she left her full time job to pursue teaching yoga, mediation & healing full time; following her Dharma to help others. She lives with her amazing and loving husband and family of dogs and cat in Alexandria, VA just outside of Washington, DC. She enjoys yoga, meditation, travel, music concerts, dancing, stand-up-comedy, gardening, walks in nature, reading, family and helping others.